Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Acting Deputy President. This is a motion that has been put forward by Senator Fielding and has the support of the coalition and Senator Xenophon; therefore, the reference was to go forward, so the Greens amended this reference so that it takes into account a broader set of criteria in looking at wind farms. There is certainly concern in the community about the health impacts of wind farms. In my view, that is more imagined than real, especially since the National Health and Medical Research Council brought out a report this year on this very issue saying that there were no concerns.

However, there is a very genuine community concern which needs to be looked at and also there needs to be consideration of the planning issues concerned, because really the big concern, I think, is that nobody is quite sure about the interface between local government planning laws, state planning arrangements and where the federal government’s approval processes kick in in relation to wind farms. I think all the states especially would appreciate some clarity around this issue. Including the planning provision here to be looked at as well as allowing the National Health and Medical Research Council to get involved will make for a better informed community. The Greens certainly support the expansion of the wind industry in Australia.

Question agreed to.